Technology

 U.S. #3167 was issued 20 years ago today. Click the image to learn more about the U.S. Air Force.
September 18, 1997

First U.S. Stamp with Scrambled Indicia

On September 18, 1997, the USPS issued the US Air Force stamp, the first US stamp to have a hidden image using Scrambled Indicia.

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 U.S. #3190a – Click the image to read more about the shuttle program.
September 17, 1976

NASA Unveils Enterprise 

On September 17, 1976, America’s first space shuttle, the Enterprise, made its debut public appearance.

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1991 29¢ Jan E. Matzeliger
September 15, 1852

Birth of Jan Matzeliger

Inventor Jan Matzeliger was born on September 15, 1852, in Paramaribo, Dutch Guyana (present-day Surinam).  He invented a device that is considered “the most important invention for New England” and the “greatest step forward in the shoe industry.” 

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1940 Famous Americans: 5¢ Elias Howe
September 10, 1846

Elias Howe Patents First Lockstitch Sewing Machine 

After eight years of tinkering, Elias Howe was awarded the first US patent for a practical lockstitch sewing machine on September 10, 1846.

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1983 20¢ American Inventors: Philo T Farnsworth, First TV Camera
September 7, 1927

Farnsworth’s First TV Demonstration

On September 7, 1927, inventor Philo T. Farnsworth made his first successful presentation of the “image dissector,” a crucial part of the first televisions.

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1995 20¢ Transportation Series: Cog Railway, 1870s
August 29, 1869

Marsh’s “Railway to the Moon” 

On August 29, 1869, Sylvester Marsh demonstrated the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, earning the recognition and funds needed to complete it.

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1959 4¢ Petroleum Industry Centennial
August 27, 1859

First Major Commercial Oil Well in the U.S. 

On August 27, 1859, Edwin Drake struck oil near Titusville, Pennsylvania, establishing America’s first commercially viable oil well.

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1996 32¢ Fulbright Scholarships
August 1, 1946

Fulbright Scholarships

On August 1, 1946, President Harry Truman signed legislation establishing the Fulbright Program. An international exchange program, the Fulbright Scholarship is considered one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world.  

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1968 12¢ Henry Ford
July 30, 1863

Birth of Henry Ford

Industrialist and auto manufacturer Henry Ford was born on July 30, 1863, in Greenfield Township, Michigan.  He was a pioneer in the automotive industry, starting a company that’s still in business today.

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